WHY I’M LEAVING LA (FOR NOW)

I’ve alluded to this on social media, but I am leaving LA next weekend and moving in with my parents in Ohio. While OF COURSE I’ll miss this vibrant, sunny, weird city, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and our new GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY.

But people keep asking me WHY. So here’s a list of reasons why I’m leaving LA:

WHY I’M LEAVING LA

I am building my freelance writing business and need to cut costs. Right now, I am not making enough money writing to support myself in this city. However, in Ohio, my hard-earned money will go a lot further. Instead of continuing to drain my savings and rack up credit card debt, I’m going to cut back on expenses while I build my business.

And THAT’S IT. I’m making the smart move for my career and my finances.

Some people have been so supportive, and I really thank you for that. Other times, I have been met with a scoff and a “Ugh, why?” It’s not really anyone’s business BUT IT IS 100% ABOUT MONEY.

Sure, I could get a job here. But I don’t want to! I love working for myself. I don’t want to spend my precious time working on someone else’s dream.

Will I ever move back to LA? Maybe. I do love LA. If I reach a certain income threshold and moving back feels right, I’ll do it. OBVIOUSLY I’M NOT AFRAID OF BIG MOVES, PEOPLE. But I’m also considering other options. I may do Remote Year or a similar program. I may go backpacking around the world. I may buy a bunch of rental properties in Cleveland and become a Midwestern real estate mogul. I don’t know what I’ll want to do in a year and I’m not going to commit to anything now. But with my finances in the right place, all of these things are possible.

Here’s what’s next:

I am doing another Great American Road Trip, this time with my dad, going along the north route through Las Vegas, Denver, Omaha, and Chicago. I am stopping to see Kirsten and Brittany along the way which I am AMPED about. I had a lot of fun driving to California with my mom, and I’m excited to make the trip back on a different route with my dad (read about it here).

I will be living with my parents in Youngstown, Ohio for at least 6 months. While I don’t really know anyone in Youngstown (although I grew up there!), I will be able to drive to Cleveland and Columbus to see my friends. I will be making trips to LA, Atlanta, and Phoenix to get through the winter.

I may join Crossfit to make friends.

I am also considering starting a podcast about people who live in Youngstown similar to Neighbors.

…or I might start some kind of email newsletter about fun things to do in Youngstown similar to DoLA. If I’m going to be in this community for 6 months I want to make a positive impact, you know?

I am going to spend a lot of time with my family. We haven’t all lived under the same roof FOR TEN YEARS. I’m very much looking forward to spending time with them.

WE ARE GETTING A PUPPY. Her name is Winnie (after my late Grandma). Obviously I’ll be making her an Instagram account so TBD on that.

So, that’s why I’m leaving LA and moving to Ohio. I’m excited about it. I will miss LA and the people I am leaving behind, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for my future. Honestly, I feel fortunate to even have this option. I hope you’ll still be my friend and continue to read my blog. I promise you, Ohio is NOT as boring as you may think. With me there, it’s about to become a lot more exciting.

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Oh I totally relate! It is all about saving and LA is NOT that place to do it! I am just getting so sick of being in the same California that I grew up with right now. Good luck!
Elise | http://www.elisebythepiece.com

Honestly, it sounds like going to Ohio will be so much better for you. The opportunities are endless, like you mentioned, and you clearly have a lot going on. It’s completely possible to do great things outside of LA or NY. Of course, you should always go with the puppy option, and if you do create that podcast, I’ll definitely listen. It sounds interesting!

Thanks so much, Amber! It’s great with the remote economy that there’s so much flexibility to work wherever you want. I am really heavily considering the podcast…it would be such a different creative project. Can’t wait to meet my puppy!

My husband and I moved from California to Seattle just a little over a month ago and we did it for our future. We loved San Jose but it was too expensive. We also wanted to live in LA one day but nope even worse. We’re really hoping to buy our own home sometime next year if everything works out, and that is something that would never have been possible in CA. Good luck on your move.

What an exciting time for you! I know what you mean about expensive living in southern california. I just moved back home to my parents house to save on costs. This will be a new adventure for you and you will grow so much from this experience, you can trust me because I just did the same =o)

Hope you’ll have fun out in Ohio! LA is an expensive place to live but there’s a lot to see at the same time. Nothing wrong with moving to save some money; especially when you want to put it to something that’s more worthwhile. A lot of people tell me to move out of LA because it’s expensive @__@. Hope you’ll have a safe and fun journey driving back to Ohio!

I love that you are doing what’s best for you. That’s the smartest thing anyone can do in their life. Keep living for you babe. That’s really a huge reason why a lot of people leave LA. The cost of living is no joke. Leaving LA is the hardest for me to do because I love it so much. The best of luck on your new life journey. And safe travels.

I did a similar thing as you and moved from Vancouver back to Victoria to live with my parents. Although I didn’t start my blog yet living with my parents allowed me to do so.
xohttp://www.laurajaneatelier.com

It definitely makes me feel better when people tell me that they’ve done the same thing. And I do anticipate that I’ll be able to work on my blog more, since I won’t constantly be in a panic about money. Thanks for reading!